Fleetwood Mac Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Few bands have a story as epic or a discography as varied as Fleetwood Mac. Their journey spans from gritty British blues to shimmering California pop.
Trying to create a list of Fleetwood Mac albums ranked is a monumental task. The "best" Fleetwood Mac album often depends entirely on which era of the band you love most.
We are going to explore their studio releases guided primarily by fan sentiment data. This gives us a unique look into which records resonate most with the community.
Later, we'll see how popularity data provides another perspective.
Ranking Fleetwood Mac's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
Our data presents the ranking in a way that might hold a few surprises, reflecting the diverse and passionate opinions within the fanbase.
1. Time (1995)
This album features a unique lineup for the band. It brought in country vocalist Bekka Bramlett and former Traffic guitarist Dave Mason.
Time was the second album released after Lindsey Buckingham's 1987 departure and the only one since 1974 without any contribution from Stevie Nicks.
It was also Christine McVie's final studio album as an official member. The album was not a commercial success and received generally unfavorable reviews from critics upon release.
- I Do
- Talkin' to My Heart
Landing in the number 1 spot in our fan data is 1995's Time. This placement is likely a reflection of its outlier status in the band's catalog.
Its distinct lineup and sound make it a subject of frequent discussion and strong opinions, which can heavily influence sentiment metrics. It stands as a fascinating, if contentious, chapter in the band's long history.
2. Fleetwood Mac (1968)
Fleetwood Mac's debut album is a powerful statement of British blues. Released in 1968, it established the band's early identity under the leadership of Peter Green.
The record is a mix of original compositions and blues standards, showcasing the raw talent of the founding members.
While a very different sound from their later pop success, this album was a significant commercial and critical achievement in the UK blues scene.
- I Loved Another Woman
- My Heart Beat Like a Hammer - Take 2
The band's self-titled debut takes the number 2 position. Its high ranking among fans underscores a deep appreciation for the Peter Green era.
Listeners who value the band's blues roots and Green's incredible guitar work consistently hold this foundational record in high esteem.
3. Rumours (1977)
Released in 1977, Rumours is one of the best-selling albums of all time. Its creation is legendary, born from the intense personal turmoil and relationship breakdowns within the band.
The band, along with producers Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut, aimed to create a pop album that built on the success of their 1975 self-titled record.
The result was a masterpiece of songwriting and production that won the Grammy for Album of the Year. It generated four Top 10 singles in the US.
- Dreams
- The Chain
It's no surprise to find Rumours ranked highly at number 3. For countless fans, this album isn't just Fleetwood Mac's best work; it's a perfect album, period.
The raw, honest songwriting combined with flawless pop hooks creates a timeless connection that few records ever achieve. Its emotional weight and cultural impact are undeniable.
4. Live (1980)
This 1980 double live album was the first from the band's most famous lineup. It captures the energy and power of their celebrated live shows.
Most recordings were taken from the epic 1979–1980 tour supporting the Tusk album.
It also featured a few new songs, including Christine McVie's "One More Night" and Stevie Nicks's "Fireflies," showcasing their continued creative output even on the road.
- Landslide - Live at Wembley Arena, London, UK 6/25/80
- Dreams - Live at Palais de Sport, Paris, France 6/14/80
Holding the number 4 spot, the 1980 Live album is a fan favorite because it documents the band at the peak of their powers on stage.
It’s a testament to how their studio creations transformed into expansive, energetic anthems in a concert setting. For many, this is the definitive live document of the era.
5. Tusk (1979)
Following the massive success of Rumours, Fleetwood Mac took a sharp creative turn with the 1979 double album Tusk.
Spearheaded by Lindsey Buckingham's experimental and post-punk influences, the album was a sprawling and unconventional project.
Its high production costs and departure from a commercial pop sound made it a bold and, at the time, controversial release. Today, it is often hailed by critics as one of their most ambitious and creative works.
- Tusk
- Sara
The legendary and divisive Tusk comes in at number 5. Its position reflects its status as a beloved work for a significant part of the fanbase.
Fans who champion artistic growth and experimentation often point to Tusk as the band's true masterpiece, valuing its creative risks over the polished perfection of its predecessor.
6. Then Play On (1969)
Released in 1969, this was a pivotal album for Fleetwood Mac. It marked a significant evolution from their pure blues origins toward a more refined rock sound.
The record heavily features the songwriting and guitar work of Danny Kirwan, who had recently joined the band. It was also the last studio album to feature founder Peter Green.
Classic tracks like "Oh Well" showcased a new level of compositional ambition, blending heavy rock riffs with delicate instrumental passages.
- My Dream
- The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)
At number 6, Then Play On is cherished by fans who appreciate the band's transitional period. It captures the brilliant but brief moment when the creative forces of Peter Green and Danny Kirwan overlapped.
Many consider it the peak of the original incarnation of the band, a perfect blend of bluesy depth and burgeoning rock artistry.
7. Tango In the Night (1987)
Released in 1987, Tango In The Night was the fifth and final studio album from the band's most successful lineup.
The project began as a Lindsey Buckingham solo effort before evolving into a full Fleetwood Mac record. His meticulous production defined the album's polished, '80s sound.
It became a massive commercial success, spawning several hit singles like "Big Love," "Little Lies," and "Everywhere." Buckingham left the band shortly after its release.
- Everywhere
- Little Lies
The slick and successful Tango In The Night secures the number 7 spot. Fans of the band's pop sensibilities adore this album for its masterful songcraft and pristine production.
It's a perfect snapshot of late-80s pop-rock and represents the glorious final chapter of the classic lineup's studio output, a fact that gives it a special place in many hearts.
8. Future Games (1971)
This 1971 album marked a significant shift in Fleetwood Mac's sound. It was the first to feature American guitarist Bob Welch, who brought a more melodic, jazzy, and psychedelic influence.
It was also the first album where Christine McVie participated as a full member, solidifying her role as a key songwriter.
The album moved the band further from their blues roots and toward the atmospheric pop-rock sound that would define their work for the next few years.
- Future Games
- Woman of 1000 Years
Coming in at number 8 is Future Games. This album is a cornerstone for fans of the band's "middle period" before Buckingham and Nicks joined.
Its dreamy, atmospheric quality and the beautiful interplay between Bob Welch and Danny Kirwan's guitars make it a unique and deeply appreciated record for those who look beyond the band's biggest hits.
9. Say You Will (2003)
Released in 2003, Say You Will was the band's seventeenth and final studio album. It marked a return for Lindsey Buckingham after a long absence.
Notably, it was the first album since 1970 not to feature Christine McVie as a full member, although she did contribute as a guest musician on some tracks.
The album is largely a showcase for the contrasting songwriting styles of Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, and it became the band's first studio album to reach the US top three since 1982's Mirage.
- Thrown Down
- Say You Will
At number 9, Say You Will earns its place from fans who were thrilled to hear new material from the Buckingham-Nicks partnership.
While Christine McVie's absence is felt, the dynamic between the two principal songwriters is as compelling as ever, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant late-career statement.
10. Mirage (1982)
Following the experimental Tusk, the band returned in 1982 with Mirage, a more direct and pop-oriented album.
The record was a conscious effort to create a more commercially accessible collection of songs, reminiscent of the success of Rumours.
It succeeded, returning the band to the top of the US album charts and producing hit singles like "Hold Me" and "Gypsy." The album captured the signature chemistry of the band's three distinct songwriters.
- Gypsy
- Only over You
The charming and accessible Mirage sits at number 10. Fans appreciate this album as a comforting return to form after the challenging nature of Tusk.
It’s filled with beautifully crafted pop songs that showcase the individual strengths of Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine, making it an effortlessly enjoyable listen.
11. Penguin (1973)
Released in March 1973, Penguin marked another lineup shift for the band. It was the first album without founding guitarist Danny Kirwan.
The band added guitarist Bob Weston and, for this album only, vocalist Dave Walker. The penguin on the cover reflects bassist John McVie's fascination with the birds.
The record continued the band's move into melodic rock, though Walker's contributions gave some tracks a different, earthier feel.
- Did You Ever Love Me
- Remember Me
At number 11, Penguin is a record favored by fans who enjoy the exploratory, pre-Buckingham Nicks era of the band.
While the lineup was in flux, the album contains some of Christine McVie's most lovely melodies and Bob Welch's signature atmospheric rock, making it a quirky but rewarding listen.
12. Bare Trees (1972)
Bare Trees, released in 1972, was the sixth studio album by the band and the final one to feature guitarist Danny Kirwan.
Kirwan was a dominant creative force on this record, contributing beautiful and melancholic songs that defined its gentle, folk-rock mood.
The album also features Christine McVie's classic "Spare Me a Little of Your Love" and Bob Welch's future solo hit, "Sentimental Lady."
- Sunny Side of Heaven
- Sentimental Lady
Securing the number 12 spot, Bare Trees is highly regarded by longtime fans as a bittersweet masterpiece. It's often seen as the poignant end of an era.
Danny Kirwan's fragile and beautiful songwriting gives the album a cohesive, haunting atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners who appreciate the band's softer, more introspective side.
13. Mystery to Me (1973)
This 1973 release was the band's eighth studio album and the last to feature guitarist Bob Weston. It continued the band's progression towards a more polished, radio-friendly pop-rock sound.
The songwriting was largely driven by Bob Welch and Christine McVie. Welch's "Hypnotized" became an enduring FM radio staple, despite not being a hit single.
The album showcased the band's growing skill in crafting melodic hooks, setting the stage for their massive success just a few years later.
- Hypnotized
- Emerald Eyes
Mystery to Me lands at number 13, praised by fans for being one of the most consistent and well-crafted albums of the Bob Welch era.
The blend of Welch's mystical rock and Christine McVie's pop sensibilities created a sound that was both commercially appealing and artistically solid, earning it a loyal following.
14. Behind the Mask (1990)
Released in 1990, Behind the Mask was the first album after Lindsey Buckingham's departure. He was replaced by two new guitarists, Rick Vito and Billy Burnette.
This expanded the band to a six-piece, with four different singer-songwriters contributing to the album's diverse, adult-oriented rock sound.
While not as commercially successful in the US as its predecessor, the album did reach number 1 in the UK. The single "Save Me" became a Top 40 hit.
- Skies the Limit
- Save Me
At number 14 is Behind the Mask, an album that often gets a second look from dedicated fans. While it struggles with the absence of Lindsey Buckingham, many appreciate the contributions of Rick Vito and Billy Burnette.
The album is viewed as a valiant effort to move forward, containing solid songwriting from Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks that holds it together.
15. Heroes Are Hard to Find (1974)
This 1974 album was the ninth studio release by the band and the final one with guitarist and vocalist Bob Welch.
It was also the first Fleetwood Mac album to be recorded in America, marking a significant geographical and creative shift for the British group.
With Welch as the sole guitarist, the album solidified the pop-rock direction he and Christine McVie had been steering the band towards, reaching a new peak on the US charts at the time.
- Prove Your Love
- Come a Little Bit Closer
Heroes Are Hard to Find finds its place at number 15. Fans of the Bob Welch years see this album as the culmination of that particular lineup.
It’s a tight, focused record that fully embraces a California rock sound, effectively closing one chapter of the band's history just before another, more famous one began.
16. The Dance (1997)
This hugely successful 1997 live album marked the triumphant reunion of the band's most famous lineup after a decade apart.
Recorded for an MTV special, the concert featured energized new arrangements of their greatest hits, alongside four new songs.
The Dance debuted at number 1 on the US charts and became one of the best-selling live albums of all time. It was the last album to feature Christine McVie as a full-time member until her return in 2014.
- Silver Springs - Live at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, CA 5/23/97
- Landslide - Live at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, CA 5/23/97
The celebrated reunion album The Dance is ranked at number 16. Its placement here might reflect a preference among some voters for studio albums over live recordings.
However, no fan denies the magic of this comeback. The emotional weight of the reunion, especially the iconic performance of "Silver Springs," makes it an essential document for any follower of the band.
17. Kiln House (1970)
Released in 1970, Kiln House was the band's fourth studio album and a significant turning point. It was the first record made after the departure of founder Peter Green.
The album saw guitarist Jeremy Spencer take a more prominent role, contributing numerous homages to 1950s rock and roll.
It was also the last album to feature Spencer. Christine McVie contributed significantly to the sessions and cover art before officially joining the band shortly after.
- Jewel Eyed Judy
- Station Man
Coming in at number 17, Kiln House is a unique album that often appeals to fans with a soft spot for rock and roll history.
While some find Jeremy Spencer's retro stylings a bit jarring, others appreciate the album's quirky charm and the early signs of the melodic direction Danny Kirwan and Christine McVie would soon explore more deeply.
18. Mr. Wonderful (1968)
Mr. Wonderful was the band's second studio album, released just a few months after their debut in 1968.
Recorded live in the studio, the album aimed to capture the raw energy of their stage show. It featured a horn section and guest piano from Christine Perfect, who would later join the band as Christine McVie.
The record consists mostly of Peter Green originals and Elmore James covers, doubling down on the gritty, authentic blues sound of their early work.
- Love That Burns
- I've Lost My Baby
At number 18, Mr. Wonderful is an album for the purists. Fans who value the band's raw, unadorned blues origins champion this record for its authenticity.
While some find it less varied than their debut, its straight-ahead approach is precisely what makes it a cherished document of the Peter Green-led lineup in its element.
19. Live in Boston (1985)
This 1985 release is a compilation of live recordings from a series of legendary concerts at the Boston Tea Party in February 1970.
It captures the original three-guitar lineup of Peter Green, Danny Kirwan, and Jeremy Spencer at their fiery, improvisational peak.
The performances are known for their extended jams and raw blues power, showcasing a side of the band that was worlds away from their future pop success.
- Silver Springs - Live on PBS in Boston 2004
- Dreams - Live on PBS in Boston 2004
Live in Boston ranks at number 19. This is a release for the deep-cut enthusiasts and fans of the original lineup's incredible live prowess.
The explosive energy and extended guitar duels make it a thrilling listen, valued as perhaps the best official document of the early band's live fire.
21. Rumours Live (2023)
Released in 2023, Rumours Live captures a complete concert from the band's 1977 tour. Recorded at The Forum in Los Angeles, it showcases the band at the height of their newfound superstardom.
The setlist is heavily focused on their landmark album, played with a raw energy and immediacy that differs from the polished studio versions.
This release offers fans a front-row seat to a historic moment, hearing the iconic songs as they were first presented to the world on stage.
- Dreams - Live at the Fabulous Forum, Inglewood, CA, 08/29/77
- Rhiannon - Live at the Fabulous Forum, Inglewood, CA, 08/29/77
This recent archival release lands at number 21. Fans have embraced Rumours Live for giving an unfiltered glimpse into the tour that defined a generation.
Hearing the now-classic songs performed with such freshness and urgency adds a new dimension to an album everyone thought they knew inside and out.
22. Mirage Tour '82 (Live) (2024)
This live album, released in 2024, documents the band's tour in support of their 1982 album, Mirage. It captures the group following their return to a more pop-focused sound.
The recordings showcase the slick, professional energy of their early 80s performances, blending new tracks from Mirage with their ever-growing list of classic hits.
It's a snapshot of the band balancing their status as arena rock titans with the polished songcraft that had brought them back to the top of the charts.
- The Chain (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, 10/22/82) - 2024 Remaster
- Second Hand News (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, 10/22/82) - 2024 Remaster
This 2024 archival release, Mirage Tour '82, comes in at number 22. Its reception among fans is driven by a deep appreciation for the Mirage era.
The live album is valued for providing a high-quality document of a tour that is sometimes overshadowed by the eras before and after it, showcasing the band in top form.
26. Shrine '69 (2000)
This live album, released in 1999, captures a legendary performance from January 1969 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
It features the powerful three-guitar lineup of Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, and Danny Kirwan. The recording showcases the band's raw blues power and extended, improvisational jams.
The set is a testament to the early band's formidable reputation as a live act, one that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the great blues and rock bands of the era.
- Albatross - Live 1969
- Need Your Love so Bad - Live 1969
Topping our fan-driven ranking is the incredible live document, Shrine '69. Its number 26 position signifies the immense respect fans have for the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.
For many, this album represents the band at its most musically pure and powerful. The untamed energy and virtuosic guitar interplay make it a holy grail for lovers of British blues-rock.
Fleetwood Mac albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Fleetwood Mac's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rumours | 1977 |
| 2 | Tango In the Night | 1987 |
| 3 | The Dance | 1997 |
| 4 | Say You Will | 2003 |
| 5 | Tusk | 1979 |
| 6 | Mirage | 1982 |
| 7 | Mystery to Me | 1973 |
| 8 | Live in Boston | 1985 |
| 9 | Bare Trees | 1972 |
| 10 | Fleetwood Mac | 1968 |
| 11 | Then Play On | 1969 |
| 12 | Future Games | 1971 |
| 13 | Mirage Tour '82 (Live) | 2024 |
| 14 | Rumours Live | 2023 |
| 15 | Kiln House | 1970 |
| 16 | Live | 1980 |
| 17 | Behind the Mask | 1990 |
| 18 | Heroes Are Hard to Find | 1974 |
| 19 | Mr. Wonderful | 1968 |
| 20 | Penguin | 1973 |
| 21 | Time | 1995 |
| 22 | Shrine '69 | 2000 |
Quick FAQs about Fleetwood Mac's albums
Q: Why was the lineup on the album Time so different?
A: By the early 90s, both Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie had decided to stop touring. This led to a major lineup change, with the band bringing in guitarist Dave Mason and vocalist Bekka Bramlett for the Time album and tour.
Q: Was Stevie Nicks involved with the Time album at all?
A: No, she was not. After a disagreement with Mick Fleetwood over the inclusion of her song "Silver Springs" on a box set, Stevie Nicks left the band entirely in 1991. Time is the only studio album from the post-1974 era without her involvement.
Q: What makes Rumours such an iconic album?
A: The album was famously recorded while the band members were going through intense personal turmoil, including divorces and breakups. This raw emotion was channeled directly into the songwriting, creating a powerful and universally relatable masterpiece that became one of the best-selling albums in history.
So there it is, a comprehensive look at the Fleetwood Mac albums ranked.
We've seen how fan sentiment honors the band's entire history, from the blues-rock fire of the early years to the polished pop of their commercial peak.
Ultimately, the best Fleetwood Mac album is the one that speaks to you. It's the record that soundtracked a moment in your life or the one you keep returning to.
What does your personal ranking of Fleetwood Mac's albums look like? Which album do you believe deserves the top spot?